New Genie Safety Structure for Working at Height With Boom Lifts

Date:

Monday, April 30, 2012

We’ve spoken in the past about the dangers of being trapped at height while using an aerial work platform, and the problems it poses the powered access industry, but there may be a new standard for safety. Genie has developed a new Operator Protective Structure (OPS) to be used on articulating and telescopic boom lifts, providing a safe platform for operatives using these types of AWP. The OSP works by preventing the work platform from being raised to dangerous proximity to a roof or ceiling. A safety structure made from tubular steel can be attached to boom platforms (between 6-8 feet), and rises higher than an average-height person, therefore striking any overhead obstacle before it gets near to the operator. This not only alerts the operator to the danger above, but in theory, it should prevent any injury occurring by transferring kinetic energy from any impact into surrounding structures.

Genie’s OPS prototype was unveiled this month at the Intermat show in Paris. This demonstation comes soon after the recent news that inspectors from the Health & Safety Executive will be making inspections to construction sites with high risk work to improve safety and reduce poor work practices. Senior product manager for boom lifts and telehandlers, Scott Krieger, explains:

“The Genie team is aware of incidents where operators made contact with overhead obstacles while operating aerials.Ultimately, the operator, in conjunction with the worksite supervisor, is responsible for identifying and avoiding overhead obstacles. But as a secondary measure, Genie is working both independently and with various partners to provide protective solutions for a variety of worksite conditions.”

The Genie OPS requires no modification from the boom lift, as it can be bolted straight onto the platform, and weighs 17kg.

Platform Sales & Hire stock a variety of new and refurbished Genie powered access equipment for sale or hire, as well as a grea range of telescopic and articulating boom lifts. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.